Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering comfort food classic that will have your taste buds dancing! This Cool Ranch Potato Casserole is not just another side dish—it's a creamy, cheesy delight that brings the bold flavors of ranch seasoning right to your dinner table. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this scrumptious dish that serves six, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust us, once you take a bite, you'll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So, are you ready to elevate your culinary game? Let's dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash and dice potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Place diced potatoes in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix over them, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add sour cream to the potatoes, stirring gently to ensure all potato pieces are well coated with the creamy ranch mixture.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped green onions into the potato mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings.
- Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, creating a uniform cheese layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove foil during the last 5-7 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, perfect alongside grilled meats or as a standalone comfort food.
Tips
- Uniform Potato Size: Make sure to dice your potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking. This ensures that every bite is perfectly tender and flavorful.
- Mixing Techniques: When combining the ranch seasoning and sour cream with the potatoes, use a gentle folding motion to avoid breaking the potato pieces. This helps maintain their texture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
- Baking Tips: Keep the casserole covered with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes to prevent the cheese from burning. Removing the foil for the last few minutes allows the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
- Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Garnishing: For an extra pop of color and flavor, don't skip the final garnish of fresh green onions right before serving. It adds freshness and a lovely crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
